MATH and MANIPULATIVES Center (Science) Setting Up the Math and Manipulatives Center (Science) Math and Manipulatives (Science) activities or opportunities occur naturally throughout the whole classroom. However, you may choose to designate an area in the room that focuses on math or science. At times, this area may require adult supervision (for safety purposes) and facilitation for guidance. Basic storage shelves, child-sized table, child-sized chairs, and a sand/water/sensory table are needed. Use a cart, shelf or storage cabinet to store tools and materials. All of the materials should be ready for the project of the day. The best way to conduct math or science activities with young children is in small groups that allow for individual attention and unlimited time. Skills Typically Developed in the Math and Manipulatives Center This center can provide each child with opportunities to develop cognitive skills, explore new materials and substances, learn about qualitative and quantitative relationships, and the how and why of math and science. using math & science tools following directions time & space social skills cognitive skill development findings & predictions language skills math concepts & properties living & non-living things visual-perceptual skills position, quality & quantity gathering information measurement relationships recording information turn-taking experimentation & exploration learning properties of substances learning about your surroundings number, letter, shape recognition and matching Teacher s Friend, a Scholastic Company. 45
Math and Manipulatives Center (Science) Basic Materials, Toys and Equipment: scales smocks clay magnets magnifying glasses wood scraps binoculars balances safety goggles nuts/bolts tools measuring devices keys/locks snaps weather chart timers play dough and tools folder games beads and string pegboards and pegs sandpaper nails/golf tees woodworking bench Styrofoam counting cubes/sticks small shape blocks microscope classroom pets and accessories sorting trays and things to sort Sand and Water Materials: bowls colanders funnels scoops shells molds measuring cups and spoons pebbles and rocks sticks string sponges water wheel plastic pitcher bubble blowing items bucket plastic tubs Teacher s Friend, a Scholastic Company. 46
Incorporating Literacy in the Math and Manipulatives Center Word Labels: Label storage spaces for materials. Below are word labels you may use in your Math and Manipulatives Center (Science): keys weather safety magnets class pet balances nuts/bolts timers beads locks chart goggles binoculars play dough scales tools sorting tray explore tub Teacher s Friend, a Scholastic Company. 47
Children s Literature Include books about numbers, size, qualitative and quantitative concepts, math and science. Here are just a few suggestions: Aker, Suzanne. What Comes in 2's,3's, & 4's? Aladdin, 1992 (picture) Anno, Mitsumasa. Anno s Counting Book. Harper Trophy, 1986 (picture) Aubinais, M. The Farm. Abbeville, 1996 (story) Axelrod, Amy. Pigs Will Be Pigs: Fun With Math and Money. Aladdin Picture Books, 1997 (story) Baker, J. Window. Greenwillow, 1991 (picture) Goldilocks and The Three Bears. various publishers (story) Hoban, Tana. More, Fewer, Less. Greenwillow, 1998 (picture) Hoban, Tana. Shapes, Shapes, Shapes. William Morrow & Company, 1986 (picture) McMillan, Bruce. Counting Wildflowers. Econo-Clad, 1999 (picture) Myller, R. How Big Is A Foot? Dell, 1992 (story) Serfozo, Mary. Who Wants One? Aladdin Books, 1989 (story) Sevaly, Karen. Little Kids Can series (match, count, mold & paint). Teacher s Friend Publications, 2000 (teacher resource book) Viorst, Judith. Alexander, Who Used To Be Rich Last Sunday. Atheneum, 1978 (story) Communication and Interaction Tips, Activities and Ideas Talk About Math Encourage the children to talk and ask questions about relationships and comparisons. For example: Which one is bigger or longer?, What sinks or floats?, How many altogether?, How do those pieces fit together? Similar and Different Describe how items feel, smell, look, and sound or explain how items are similar or different. Enhance the children s vocabulary by helping them learn about their surroundings, weather, money, time, pets, environment, etc. Make Word Lists Write word lists using the words the children use to describe what is happening or what they observe. Post the lists in the center. Informational Charts - Develop charts or graphs of observations, measurements, predictions, discoveries, etc. and post them in the center. Child-Made Books With your help, have the children write a book about what happened during an experiment, with a class pet, how they grew a plant, etc. Teacher s Friend, a Scholastic Company. 48
Clip Art for the Math and Manipulatives Center (Science) Teacher s Friend Publications, Inc. 49
Clip Art for the Math and Manipulatives Center (Science) Teacher s Friend Publications, Inc. 50